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U.S. women's hockey team wary of Finland
By Zack Van Eyck
Deseret News Olympic specialist
WEST VALLEY CITY — Few things put fear into the hearts of U.S. women's hockey players like the thought of losing a game — in the Olympics, the World Championships or any other tournament — to a team other than Canada.
In the sport's 12-year history, it has not happened. The Americans' only losses have come against the Canadians and vice versa. They are the two world powers.
But 22 months ago, Team Finland nearly pulled off the improbable. The Finns held a 3-1 lead over Team USA with 10 minutes left in a preliminary-round game of the Women's World Championships. The U.S. rallied to win, 4-3, in regulation.
But the Finns, 0-15-2 all-time against the U.S. in sanctioned play, haven't forgotten how close they came to a huge upset.
"We had a really good first and second period, but we ran out of gas," recalled Tuula Puputti, the Finnish goaltender who was in net for that near-win in April '00. "I think we are much more fit and much more in shape right now, and I think we have a chance to not let that happen again."
The third-seeded Finns (2-0) will be gunning for that elusive upset once again Saturday when they meet second-seeded and defending Olympic champion Team USA (2-0) in an 11 a.m. contest at the E Center.
"We just have to be really disciplined with our system that we have and play our skill level and have the courage to go to the one-on-ones — and actually think about winning," said Puputti, who plays at the University of Minnesota-Duluth and likely will be back in the net against the Americans on Saturday. "We have to do the small things and do them right."
The Finns shut out China 4-0 and defeated Germany 3-1, but they did not look especially impressive or dominant in either game. The U.S. dispatched Germany 10-0 and overwhelmed China 12-1.
"The challenge is to reach 100 percent performance both individually and as a team," Finland Coach Jouko Lukkarila said. "I think when we do that, it will be an excellent game."
German forward Julia Wierscher has gone up against both teams this week.
"Like the U.S. team, they (Finland) have very strong skaters. Physically, they are very strong," she said. "I think what's missing is maybe the quickness. The transition (game) is missing a little. And maybe, they don't score as much."
Maybe. But U.S. Coach Ben Smith's worst nightmare would be to have his players look past Finland and stumble.
Also Saturday, Germany (0-2) will meet China (0-2) at 2 p.m. at the Peaks Ice Arena, followed by Canada (2-0) taking on Sweden (2-0) at 7 p.m. at the Peaks. The U.S., Finland, Canada and Sweden will advance to the medal round no matter what happens Saturday. Those games will determine the matchups for Tuesday's semifinals.
"We're playing well right now," said U.S. center Krissy Wendell. "The scoring is pretty balanced and all four lines are playing well."
E-mail: zman@desnews.com
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February 16, 2002
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